Diabetes is a common problem for older dogs. Though diabetes can cause many complications, your dog can also live a happy life with the condition. To help manage your older dog’s diabetes, work with your vet to come up with a treatment plan, make sure to manage your dog’s weight, and monitor your dog for any changes in symptoms.

Steps

Method1

Seeking Medical Attention

1

Take your dog to the vet. To help manage your dog’s diabetes, you should take them to the vet for regular checkups. This is true even if your dog’s diabetes seems to be under control. The best way to keep your dog’s diabetes under control is to let the vet test their blood to check the blood sugar levels.[1]

Your dog should have a diabetes check up twice each year.

2

Develop a diabetes management plan. You and the vet will work together to develop a diabetes management plan for your dog. You will be the primary caregiver for your dog’s diabetes treatment, so you need to make sure you know what is required to keep your dog healthy.[2]

Your vet will outline the dosage of insulin for your dog and help you learn how to give injections.

Your vet will give you a diet for your dog, along with exercise recommendations.

Your vet will suggest a glucose monitoring system for your dog.

You will also be instructed about any warning signs you should look for.

3

Monitor for diabetes symptoms. Diabetes is a common ailment in senior dogs. If your dog doesn’t have diabetes yet, you should monitor for symptoms of diabetes. The most common symptom is an increased appetite without any weight gain.[3]

Another symptom is increased thirst and increased urination without any change in activity level.

Method2

Managing Your Dog’s Weight

1

Maintain your dog’s weight. One way to help manage your senior dog’s diabetes is to keep their weight within a healthy range. You should make sure that your dog does not end up overeating. Obesity is common in older dogs, and this can make their diabetes worse.[4]

Older dogs need less calories than younger dogs. Their energy needs and activity levels decrease, so you should feed your aging dog less food than you used to.

Many older dogs may eat out of boredom or because they forget that they have eaten. Keep your dog on a food schedule and watch their weight to make sure they don’t start gaining weight.

2

Consider changing your dog’s food. When your dog is older, you should make sure to feed them the best food you can. This is especially important when your dog has diabetes. When your dog has diabetes, the food should contain high-quality protein, fiber, and complex carbohydrates. The food may need to be low-fat, too.[5]

Talk to your vet about the best diet for your senior dog. Some senior dogs with diabetes may do well with a senior blend of dog food, while others may do well with a diet full of food prepared at home.

3

Feed your dog hard dry foods. Your senior dog should have a diet of hard, dry foods instead of soft foods. Soft foods can cause complications for diabetes because it causes more glucose to build in the body. You may have to switch your dog to a different food because of this.[6]

If your dog is unable to chew hard foods, talk to your vet about other food options. You may be able to feed your dog a diet of people food instead.

4

Exercise your dog. Another way diabetes can be managed in older dogs is to make sure your dog gets exercise. Older dogs can still exercise, though they may be slower, have to exercise for a shorter duration, or be unable to exercise at such a strenuous level.[7]

For example, you can still take your dog for a walk or play fetch with them. They just may not be able to do the activity for as long as they used to.

Method3

Managing Your Dog’s Insulin

1

Give your dog insulin. Many older dogs with diabetes need insulin shots. This will need to be done daily. Insulin shots are usually given in the dog’s back by folding the dog’s skin. You will hold the needle at a 45 degree angle in your dominant hand. Push the plunger down with your thumb as quickly as possible so as not to prolong your dog’s discomfort.[8]

When your vet prescribes insulin, they will show you the proper way to give your dog insulin shots so you will know how.

2

Monitor your dog’s glucose level. Often, vets will instruct you to check your dog’s glucose levels so you can monitor their condition. This is generally done with a device that your vet will give you just for this.[9]

When you check your dog’s glucose level, you will have to prick the dog’s skin on a hairless area to get a drop of blood.

Log the dog’s glucose level so you can discuss it with your vet

3

Monitor for symptoms of too much insulin. Dogs with diabetes can get too much insulin, which can lead to complications. If your dog’s insulin levels are too high, your vet may need to adjust the injections. If you notice any signs of too much insulin, take you dog to the vet. Symptoms include:[10]